Operating Guide

4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
Maintenance and Storage
1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug and
ground it against the engine before cleaning, or
inspecting the machine.
2. Stop the engine and relieve hydraulic system
pressure by cycling the valve control lever from
forward to reverse several times while engine
is not running; returning to neutral before
repairing or adjusting fittings, hoses, tubing, or
other system components.
3. To prevent fires, clean debris and chaff from
the engine and muffler areas. If the engine
is equipped with a spark arrestor muffler,
clean and inspect it regularly according to
manufacturers instructions. Replace if damaged.
4. Periodically check that all nuts and bolts, hose
clamps, and hydraulic fittings are tight to be
sure equipment is in safe working condition.
5. Check all safety guards and shields to be sure
they are in the proper position. Never operate
with safety guards, shields, or other protective
features removed.
6. The pressure relief valve is preset at the factory.
Do not adjust the valve.
7. Never attempt to move this machine over hilly
or uneven terrain without a tow vehicle or
adequate help.
8. For your safety, replace all damaged or worn
parts immediately with original equipment
manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only. Use
of parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!
9. Do not alter this machine in any manner,
alterations such as attaching a rope or extension
to the control handle, or adding to the width
or height of the wedge may result in personal
injury.
10. According to the Consumer Products Safety
Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an
Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 130
hours of operation. At the end of the Average
Useful Life have the machine inspected
annually by an authorized service dealer to
ensure that all mechanical and safety systems
are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries
or death.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING! This machine is equipped
with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush covered
or grass-covered land unless the engine’s
exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrestor meeting applicable local or state
laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in
effective working order by the operator. In the State of
California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of
the California Public Resources Code). Other states may
have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through
your nearest engine authorized service dealer or
contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
b. When splitting extra large or uneven
logs, the log must be stabilized with
wooden shims or split wood placed
between the log and end plate or
ground.
12. Always keep fingers away from any cracks that
open in the log while splitting. They can quickly
close and pinch or amputate your fingers.
13. Keep your work area clean. Immediately remove
split wood around the machine so you do not
stumble over it.
14. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls
the maximum safe operating speed of the
engine.
15. Never move this machine while the engine is
running.
16. This machine should not be towed on any
street, highway or public road without checking
the existing federal, state, or local vehicle
requirements. Any licensing or modifications
such as taillights, etc., needed to comply, is
the sole responsibility of the purchaser. If a
“Statement of Origin” is required in your state,
see your local dealer.
17. Do not tow machine over 45 mph.
18. See Transporting the Log Splitter section in this
manual for proper towing instructions once all
federal, local, or state requirements are met.
Safety Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to
assemble and operate.
Symbol Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate
WARNING — CRUSHING HAZARD
Keep hands away from wedge, end plate, partially split wood and moving parts.
BYSTANDERS
Keep bystanders, helpers and children at least 10 feet away.
tSINGLE OPERATOR
Only one person should operate the machine at a time. The adult who loads and stabilizes the log must be the person
who operates control handle.
WARNING — PRESSURIZED FLUID
Never check for hose leaks with your hands. High pressure fluid can escape through a pin hole leak and cause serious
injury by puncturing the skin and causing blood poisoning.
EYE PROTECTION
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles when operating this machine.
WARNING — MOVING WEDGE
Keep hands away from wedge and moving parts.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas.
WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and muffler to cool before
touching.
WARNING! Your Responsibility — Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!